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Andy Couzens says Steve Parkin must spend £20 million on the Leeds United playing squad

Former Leeds player Couzens wants to see Parkin invest in the playing squad.

Steve Parkin is holding talks about purchasing a percentage share of Leeds United, and Andy Couzens has told TV Yorkshire that he needs to invest heavily in the playing squad if he does arrive at Elland Road.

Couzens said: “We just need stability. If Steve Parkin’s going to come in and do that, then great. We need someone to come in and spend £20 million on the playing staff.”

Parkin is looking to buy a portion of Leeds, and as a fan of the club, there is a belief that his ownership is the best way for the club to move forward.

Fans want to see a supporter in charge; someone who is making decisions for the good of the club, rather than their own finances.

Massimo Cellino has done a lot of good for Leeds since taking ownership, but there is still a feeling a crazy act is just around the corner, and Parkin will offer stability and financial strength which can push Leeds back to the upper reaches of English football.

However, Couzens believes that the only way this can happen is if the playing squad undergoes major investment, suggesting a figure of at least £20 million.

That is a large outlay for a Premier League team, let alone one in the Championship, and any team will risk their financial future if they pay that without winning promotion immediately.

Couzens makes a wise statement suggesting the playing squad needs investment, but any owner would be foolish to splash out over £20 million in one transfer window, even with promotion to the Premier League up for grabs.

Investment is needed, but in a way which brings strengthening but also ensures long-term financial stability at Elland Road.

Billy Hawkins

Billy is a freelance writer who contributes to various sites concerning football. Known to possess an obsession with statistics, Eastern European club sides, and Victorian football, he focuses upon the untapped potential of the Football League in the belief it is more enjoyable than the Premier League.